Compact catheter assembly

ABSTRACT

Packaging including a coiled and optionally prelubricated catheter, its distal end insertable into the urethra, a slidable hygienic sheath, a proximal catheter end for voiding urine from the distal end through the assembly to the proximal end. Mutually rotatable elements providing for withdrawal of the catheter from its coiled state to an extended state, and retraction of the catheter back to its coiled state. Methods of extending the catheter, inserting it into the urethra, and voiding urine through the catheter, without requiring complete removal from the catheter packaging. A kit including automatic extrusion of the catheter&#39;s distal end upon package opening, and a water pouch for hydrophilic lubrication, and sanitary wipes for reducing the likelihood of infection. A catheter within a flexible and optionally coiled tube, a slidable hygienic sheath covering a catheter&#39;s distal end that can move along the length of the catheter during insertion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/916,215, filed Jun. 12, 2013, entitled “Compact CatheterAssembly.” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/485,750, filed May31, 2012, entitled “Compact Catheter Assembly,” now U.S. Pat. No.8,556,884, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/491,492, filed May 31, 2011. Theabove-referenced applications are hereby incorporated by reference as iffully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

This application generally relates to urinary catheters, assembliesincluding urinary catheters, and medical uses thereof.

2. Background of the Disclosure

Some patients require urinary catheters to effectively and hygienicallyvoid their bladder, such as those patients who suffer from urinaryincontinence or other medical disorders.

Urinary catheters are inserted into the bladder through the urethra inorder to open the urinary sphincter and drain urine into an appropriatereceptacle. A typical urinary catheter patient might void their bladderevery two to four hours. In developed countries, urinary catheters aredisposable (that is, they are not reused), with the effect of requiringthe use of multiple catheters per day.

It sometimes occurs that urinary catheters for patient use areinsufficiently compact, or otherwise involve relatively bulky equipment.For example, in current use, many catheters are packaged in an elongatedform, with the effect that they are cumbersome for both storage andtransport. This can have the effect that the urinary catheter, or itspresence on the patient, is readily apparent, or is not easily conveyedby the patient or in the patient's clothing when in use, or is noteasily concealed or otherwise attached to the patient's clothing when inuse.

Similarly, it sometimes occurs that using a urinary catheter has thesubstantial possibility of social embarrassment for the patient due tothe possibility of the catheter, or any associated medical equipment, orthe fact of the patient's need for the urinary catheter, becomingobserved in a social setting. This can also occur due to the urinarycatheter, or its presence on the patient, becoming apparent, or notbeing well concealed by the patient's clothing. More recently, smallerand more discreet catheters have been developed, such as the“SpeediCath™ Compact” catheter by Coloplast. Inc., currently availablefor female users in the United States, and available for male and femaleusers in Europe.

It sometimes occurs that it is difficult to handle lubricated catheters,as they are often designed to be slippery, so as to facilitate easyinsertion into the urethra. For example, in current use, many cathetersare either pre-lubricated with a water activated coating, or aredesigned to be lubricated with a gel after opening, in either case inorder to make it easier for the urinary catheter to be inserted into theurethra. Moreover, these lubricating mechanisms can be inconvenient, asusers must either deal with packaging fluid, or carry around a lubricantalong with the urinary catheter.

It also sometimes occurs that using a urinary catheter can be unhygienicdue to the possibility of touching the catheter with an unsanitaryobject, such as either the patient's hand, or a portion of the patient'sbody other than for insertion into the urethra. This can have more thanone untoward effect. A first effect can be that use of an unhygienicurinary catheter might lead to a urinary tract infection, or otheruntoward medical condition. For example, when handling the catheterdirectly, users must generally ensure that their hands and the openingof the urethra are clean, in order to avoid contaminating the catheterand risking a urinary tract infection. A second effect can be that theurinary catheter must be disposed of after use, and replaced withanother such catheter, with the concomitant difficulty of needingadditional urinary catheters, as well as some form of storage for usedcatheters.

It also sometimes occurs that patients using a urinary catheter arereluctant to detach the catheter from its packaging for voiding theirurine. For example, in current use, urinary catheters can be conspicuousand difficult to use, with the effect that self-conscious patients mightbe inclined to refrain from using them sufficiently often, particularlyin certain social settings, with the concomitant possibility of bladderproblems, kidney problems, or other medical conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This application provides techniques, including devices, assemblies, andmethods, which include compact packaging systems for urinary catheters,and use thereof.

In one embodiment, techniques include devices and assemblies, such asurinary catheters capable of compact storage in a coiled, helical, orrelated shape, which can be drawn out for emplacement in the male orfemale urethra in an hygienic manner, and which can be used in theircompact stored shape to void the bladder both hygienically anddiscreetly. For example, a compact system can include packaging for aurinary catheter which is small enough to fit in the palm of the hand.

In one embodiment, techniques include devices and assemblies, such asurinary catheters packaged with an enclosed hygienic sheath, such as onecovering at least a portion of the catheter tip, with the effect thatthe urinary catheter patient can remove the urinary catheter from itspackage without substantial risk of unsanitary handling of the urinarycatheter (as there is no substantial need for the user to directly touchthe catheter), and that the patient can move the enclosed hygienicsheath along the catheter only when the catheter tip needs to be exposedfor insertion into the urethra, and with the effect that it isrelatively easier for the user to handle a lubricated catheter.

In one embodiment, techniques include devices and assemblies, such asurinary catheters capable of fitting within a flexible tubing or relatedcontainer, which can be maintained within compact storage in an hygienicmanner, and which can be used in their compact stored shape to void thebladder both hygienically and discreetly. For a first example, suchdevices and assemblies can include the described hygienic sheath, whichcan be initially part of the packaging, and which can be detached fromthe catheter at least in part, and which can be moved with respect to adistal end of the catheter so that the urinary catheter patient can usethe catheter without having to touch it directly.

In one embodiment, techniques include devices and assemblies, such asurinary catheters positioned within a flexible tubing or relatedcontainer, and lubricated, with the effect that the catheter can bemoved with respect to the flexible tubing. For a first example, suchdevices and assemblies can include a hydrophilic lubricant, which can bemaintained on the catheter in packaging and which can be activated at atime before or when the packaging is opened.

In one embodiment, techniques include devices and assemblies, andmethods of operating those devices and assemblies, which provide forretraction of the urinary catheter into the package in a relativelysimple and easy manner. For example, such devices and assemblies caninclude a rewinding feature, by which a urinary catheter patient canretract the urinary catheter back into the package and reassemble theurinary catheter back into its original coiled form. This has a firsteffect that the urinary catheter can be relatively easily repackaged fordisposal after use. This has the effect that the urinary catheter can berelatively easily repackaged without substantial risk of contaminationfrom a used catheter.

In one embodiment, techniques include methods, such as maintainingurinary catheters in a coiled, helical, or related compact shape withinan assembly capable of allowing such urinary catheters for beingwithdrawn from the assembly hygienically and discreetly. For example,such methods can include re-emplacing such urinary catheters in thatcoiled, helical, or related compact shape within such assemblies. Inalternative embodiments, such methods can include disposing such urinarycatheters in that coiled shape within assemblies which are designed tomaintain that coiled shape, such as a container including a relativelyrigid spiral inner wall into which the catheter is fit.

In one embodiment, techniques include a relatively compact system thatincludes handles for opening a package including a urinary catheter, andsanitary wipes attached or incorporated into the packaging, with theeffect of reducing the likelihood of a urinary tract infection. Forexample, a package of sanitary wipes can be incorporated into thepackaging, or otherwise attached. (A) on a back of the compact catheterassembly, (B) in or near a central hole defined by the compact catheterassembly, or (C) at another location convenient for use by the urinarycatheter patient.

In one embodiment, techniques include a relatively compact system thatincludes a package including a urinary catheter, and disposed forrelatively easy application, a lubricant attached or incorporated intothe packaging, with the effect of reducing the difficulty of lubricatingand emplacing the catheter. For a first example, a relatively smallcontainer of water can be disposed so that when pressure is applied,that water is applied to a hydrophilic substance to provide a lubricant.For a second example, the catheter can be pre-lubricated, with either ahydrophilic or other lubricant.

As described herein, techniques include a relatively compact systemwhich provides urinary catheter patients with a system that issubstantially more amenable to social settings outside of the hospital.Moreover, as described herein, techniques include a relatively compactsystem which provides benefits to medical personnel by reducing storagespace requirements, increasing likelihood of hygienic use, and reducingor preventing medical noncompliance or hygiene-related medicalcomplications. Moreover, as described herein, techniques include arelatively compact system which provides urinary catheter patients withthe possibility of conveying multiple urinary catheters without theinconvenience of relative bulkiness, or the social risk of the urinarycatheter becoming socially indiscreet due to its packaging.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, including variations thereof,still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparentto those skilled in the art from the following detailed description,which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. Aswill be realized, the disclosure is capable of modifications in variousobvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed descriptionare to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as formingthe present disclosure, it is believed that the disclosure will bebetter understood from the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a conceptual drawing of a sealed package capable ofholding a compact catheter assembly.

FIG. 1B shows a conceptual drawing of an opened package with a hygienicsheath.

FIG. 1C shows a conceptual drawing of an opened package with a portionof a catheter.

FIG. 1C shows a conceptual drawing of an opened package with a portionof a catheter.

FIG. 2A shows a conceptual drawing of a catheter enclosed in an uncoiledflexible tubing.

FIG. 2B shows a conceptual drawing of a catheter enclosed in a coiledflexible tubin.

FIG. 3A shows a conceptual drawing of a bottom element of a catheterassembly.

FIG. 3B shows a conceptual drawing of a top element of a catheterassembly.

FIG. 3C shows a conceptual drawing of un assembled top and bottomelements of a catheter assembly.

FIG. 3D shows a conceptual drawing of an assembled catheter assembly.

FIG. 3E s shows a conceptual drawing of a bottom element of a catheterassembly with a catheter attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Sealed Package

FIGS. 1A-1C show conceptual drawings of a sealed package capable ofholding a compact catheter assembly.

FIG. 1A shows a conceptual drawing of a closed package. FIG. 1B shows aconceptual drawing of an opened package with an hygienic sheath. FIG. 1Cshows a conceptual drawing of an opened package with an extruded portionof a catheter.

Opening the Package.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a package 100 includes a sealed enclosure 101,optionally including a breakable, separable, or tearable corner whichallows a user to more easily open the package 100 at a designatedlocation.

In one embodiment, the enclosure 101 can be made of foil, glassine,plastic, or some other substance, such as a substance which isrelatively opaque (so that urinary patients can be discreet about theiruse of a urinary catheter), which is at least moderately resistant tobreakage or tearing (so that the content of the package 100 remainssterile), and which is relatively susceptible to sterilization (so thatthe package 100 can be made sterile when constructed).

In one embodiment, a corner where the patch 102 is located is maderelatively more susceptible to breakage or tearing than the rest of theenclosure 101, allowing the manufacturer to more easily direct medicalpersonnel where to best open the enclosure 101. In alternativeembodiments, the patch 102 is optional. For example, in one example, thecorner where the patch 102 is located might be made of paper, such aspaper which is glued to the enclosure 101.

While the enclosure 101 is primarily described herein as made of arelatively flexible substance, in the context of the invention, there isno particular requirement for any such limitation. For example, theenclosure 101 may be made of a rigid material, such as a hard plastic,and the patch 102 may be disposed at a specific location intended forexit of the catheter from the package 100.

In such embodiments in which the enclosure 101 may contain a spiral wallmade of a rigid material, such as a hard plastic, the catheter can bemaintained within the enclosure 101 in a coil or spiral, such as bybeing disposed within a spiral inner guide-way, such as might be made bya spiral inner wall. In such embodiments, the catheter can still bewithdrawn from the package 100, such as by providing a path using thespiral inner wall along which the catheter may be withdrawn from thepackage 100.

While the package 100 and the enclosure 101 are primarily describedherein as being disposed for opening by the urinary catheter patient andwithdrawal of the catheter from the package 100 upon opening, in thecontext of the invention, there is no particular requirement for anysuch limitation. For example, the package 100 and the enclosure 101 maybe disposed in such manner that opening the package 100 causes orprompts an automatic extrusion of a portion the catheter, such as mightbe caused or prompted by compression or spring-loading of that portionof the catheter.

Hygienic Sheath.

As shown in FIG. 1B, in one embodiment, the package 100 includes acompact catheter assembly (not shown in this figure), optionallyincluding a hygienic sheath 103, the latter being disposed to cover adistal end 105 of a catheter (not shown in FIG. 1B), the catheter beingsuitable for insertion in a male or female urethra. In one embodiment,the hygienic sheath 103 can include a first portion which is located atthe catheter's distal end and which can be removed, and can include asecond portion (not shown in this figure) which can be slidably movedalong the catheter, so that the urinary catheter patient can handle thecatheter without having to touch the catheter directly.

As described herein, the catheter can be manufactured in one or moresizes, such as relatively distinct lengths or widths. For example, thecatheter can be manufactured in a relatively longer or shorter format,for male or female use respectively, or can be manufactured in arelatively narrower or wider format, for pediatric or adult userespectively.

In one embodiment, the hygienic sheath 103 might be made of a relativelyflexible material, such as silicone, polyvinyl chloride, or anotherplastic material. However, in the context of the invention, there is noparticular requirement for any such limitation. For example, thehygienic sheath 103 might be made of a form of latex or a latex-freeequivalent substance.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the hygienic sheath 103 can be disposed so that itcan be handled without exposure of the catheter 104 itself, with theeffect that the catheter 104 itself can be maintained sterile even whilethe catheter 104 is being withdrawn from the package 100. As shown inFIG. 1C, the hygienic sheath 103 can be disposed so that the catheter104 can include a distal end 105 which is extruded from the hygienicsheath 103 (with the hygienic sheath 103 being disposed to slide alongthe catheter 104), with the effect that the catheter's distal end 105can be inserted into the urethra (not shown) while only the hygienicsheath 103 is handled by the patient (or alternatively, medicalpersonnel), with the effect of maintaining the catheter's distal end 105substantially sterile until it is actually inserted into the urethra.

In one embodiment, the catheter 104 might be made of a relativelyflexible material, such as silicone, polyvinyl chloride, or anotherplastic material. However, in the context of the invention, there is noparticular requirement for any such limitation. For example, thecatheter 104 might be made of a form of latex or a latex-free equivalentsubstance.

As described below, in one embodiment, the catheter 104 can be enclosedin the package 100 in a substantially coiled form, with the effect thata relatively elongated catheter 104 can be enclosed within a relativelysmall package 100. For example, as described in further detail below,the catheter 104 can be enclosed in the package 100 in a coiled formsubstantially capable of being uncoiled for extension and re-coiled forreinsertion into the package 100.

In one embodiment, the catheter 104, when in the package 100, can beenclosed in a pre-lubricated form, such as by enclosing a lubricantwithin the package 100 in which the catheter 104 is immersed, orotherwise disposed for lubrication of the catheter 104, such asproviding a hydrophilic substance which lubricates the catheter uponapplication of water. As described below, as the catheter 104 is removedfrom the package 100, it retains its pre-lubricated form, with theeffect that the urinary catheter patient need not expend significantadditional effort in either (A) lubricating a catheter 104, or (B)working with an otherwise slippery catheter 104 due to use of thehygienic sheath.

In one embodiment, the catheter 104, when in the package 100, can bemaintained in a non-lubricated state, and lubricated by the urinarycatheter patient before opening or during opening of the package 100.For example, the catheter 104 can be maintained coated with ahydrophilic lubricant, and coupled to a pouch including water. Thepatient would be able to press or squeeze the pouch to deliver water tothe hydrophilic lubricant, with the effect of lubricating the catheter104, or the package 100 could be made so that water can be delivered tothe hydrophilic lubricant after opening the packaging, or with analternative water source, or the package 100 can include a hydrophiliclubricant and a water source, or another lubricant.

In embodiments in which the catheter 104 is enclosed in a pre-lubricatedform when in the package 100, the package 100 (or the enclosure 101) caninclude one or more drainage elements, such as gauze or holes, with theeffect that the urinary catheter patient can remove any extralubrication remaining in the package 100 (or the enclosure 101), or anyextra water beyond that used to activate the hydrophilic lubricant, sothat the urinary catheter patient can be assured that the package 100will not leak additional lubrication, or additional water, ontounintended locations once the catheter 104 has been removed from thepackage 100 (whether or not yet inserted into the urethra).

The catheter 104 also includes a proximal end 106 (not shown in thisfigure). As described, in one embodiment, the proximal end 106 can beused by the urinary catheter patient for voiding urine into anappropriate receptacle, such as a public toilet, without the additionalnecessity for detaching the catheter 104 from a urinary receptacle, suchas a urinary receiving bag or other medical equipment.

In one embodiment, the package 100 can optionally include one or moresanitary wipes 107 (not shown in this figure) or other similarly suitedmaterial, with the effect that medical personnel can maintain thecatheter 104, the catheter's distal end 105, or the catheter's proximalend 106, substantially sterile even in the event of a mishap, oralternatively, to be used to sterilize the patient's hand before use. Asdescribed above, for example, the package of sanitary wipes 107 can beincorporated into the package 100, or otherwise attached in package 100,(A) on a back of the compact catheter assembly, (B) in or near a centralhole defined by the compact catheter assembly, (C) attached to a coiledflexible tube, as described below, or (D) at another location convenientfor use by the urinary catheter patient.

Spiral Internal Structure.

As shown in FIG. 1C, in alternative embodiments, a spiral internalstructure 110 (shown as dotted lines), such as a vertical wall, can bedisposed to guide the catheter 104 into a spiral shape, with the effectthat a portion of the catheter 104 can be maintained in the enclosure101 in a spiral form while the rest of the catheter 104 remains in theenclosure 101.

Flexible Enclosure

FIGS. 2A and 2B show conceptual drawings of a catheter enclosed in aflexible tubing.

FIG. 2A, show a catheter enclosed in an uncoiled flexible tubing, and aFIG. 2B shows a catheter enclosed in a coiled flexible tubing.

As shown in the panel FIG. 2A and in FIG. 2B, a flexible tubing 201encloses the catheter 104, with the effect that the catheter 104 is maderelatively resilient to breakage or other damage, and with the effectthat the catheter 104 can be bent or flexed in response to bending orflexing of the flexible tubing 201.

In one embodiment, the flexible tubing 201 might be made of a relativelyflexible material, such as silicone, polyvinyl chloride, or anotherplastic material. However, in the context of the invention, there is noparticular requirement for any such limitation. For example, theflexible tubing 201 might be made of a form of latex or a latex-freeequivalent substance.

In one embodiment, the flexible tubing 201 includes a distal tubing end202, defining a distal tubing hole 203. In one example, the catheter'sdistal end 105 can be pushed through the distal tubing hole 203, withthe effect that the catheter's distal end 105 can be directly insertedinto the urethra.

As described above, in one embodiment, the hygienic sheath 103 caninclude a first portion (shown as “removable end”) which is located atthe catheter distal end 105 and which can be removed, and can include asecond portion (shown as “slidable portion”) which can be slidably movedalong the catheter. In such embodiments, the hygienic sheath 103 can bedisposed so as to be separable from the distal tubing end 202.

In one embodiment, the flexible tubing 201 includes a proximal tubingend 204, defining a proximal tubing hole 205. In one embodiment, theproximal tubing hole 205 can be relatively wider than the main portionof the flexible tubing 201, with the effect that the proximal tubinghole 205 is relatively well suited for coupling to a receptacle (notshown in this figure) for urine to be voided.

Similar to the distal tubing end 202, in one embodiment, the proximaltubing end 204 can have a secondary sheath (not shown) which can beremoved from the proximal tubing end 204, allowing exit of fluids suchas urine from the proximal tubing hole 205. Having both the distaltubing end 202 and the proximal tubing end 204 covered has the effectthat the inside of the flexible tubing 201 is sealed against air and anyconsequent contact with infectious elements.

In one embodiment, as described herein, urine is coupled from theurethra, through the catheter's distal end 105 and the distal tubinghole 203, through the main portion of the catheter 104, to thecatheter's proximal end 106 and the proximal tubing hole 205, to one ormore receptacles. For a first example, the receptacles can include aurine bag or other sanitary holding element. For a second example, thereceptacles can include a flush toilet or other suitable sanitaryelement for removing urine.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the flexible tubing 201 can be disposed in a coiledor helical shape, with the effect that it takes relatively little space.For example, the flexible tubing 201, in its coiled or helical shape,can be fit into the package 100, which might look much like a packageincluding a condom, with the effect that the presence of the catheter104 with the urinary catheter patient can be made relatively convenientand discreet.

The hygienic sheath 103 can be disposed in two parts: a first portionwhich covers the catheter distal end 105, and which can be discarded,and a second portion which can be slidably moved along the catheter 104,such as after the catheter 104 has been lubricated, and which can beused by the urinary catheter patient to hold the catheter 104 withoutdirectly touching it.

In one embodiment, the coiled flexible tubing 201 can have one or moresanitary wipes 107 coupled thereto, with the effect that the sanitarywipes 107 are conveniently available to the urinary catheter patientwhen using the catheter 104.

In one embodiment, the coiled flexible tubing 201 can have a water pouch109 or a pouch including a lubricant coupled thereto, and disposed sothat when the urinary catheter patient presses or squeezes the waterpouch 109, water is pressed or squeezed out of the water pouch 109 andinto the flexible tubing 201 and onto the catheter 104. The water pouch109 can be disposed in a position so that water is pressed or squeezedout even when the water pouch 109 is inside an unopened package 100.This has the effect that the patient can lubricate the catheter 104relatively easily, even when the catheter 104 is still inside anunopened package 100, with the effect that the patient can have thecatheter 104 ready and prepared for convenient and discreet use.

Construction of Tubing.

In one embodiment, the catheter 104 is manufactured within the flexibletubing 201 using a sequence of steps:

In a first step, the catheter 104 can be placed within the flexibletubing 201.

In a second step, the catheter 104 inside the flexible tubing 201 can beturned into a flexible spiral structure, and fixed, such as with heat orsolvent.

In a third step, the catheter 104 inside the flexible tubing 201 can beplaced into a condom-like enclosure 101.

In a fourth step, a distal end of the flexible tubing 201 can bedetached, with the effect that the detached portion can serve as asliding sheath for the catheter 104.

In a fifth step, one or more central portions of the flexible tubing 201can be coupled to a water pouch, with the effect that the water pouchcan pump (or exude) water into the flexible tubing 201 before use of thecatheter 104. This has the effect that a hydrophilic coating of thecatheter 104 can be activated before use of the catheter 104.

In a sixth step, the catheter 104 can be deployed from within theflexible tubing 201 for use.

In alternative embodiments, if the catheter 104 is maintained within theflexible tubing 201 during use of the catheter 104, one or more centralportions thereof can serve as outlets for fluid entering the catheter104.

Catheter Assembly

FIGS. 3A-3E show conceptual drawings of a catheter assembly, including acatheter maintained in a compact form factor.

FIGS. 3A and 313 show conceptual drawings of a bottom element and a topelement, respectively, of the catheter assembly FIGS. 3C and 3D showconceptual drawings of the bottom and top elements unassembled andassembled respectively. FIG. 3E shows a conceptual drawing of thecatheter uncoiled and attached to the catheter assembly.

Catheter Assembly Elements.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a catheter assembly 301 can include abottom element 310 and a top element 320. The bottom element 310 caninclude an internal bottom edge 311 and an external bottom edge 312.

Similarly, the top element 320 can include an internal top edge 313 andan external top edge 314. In one embodiment, the internal bottom edge311 is similarly sized as the internal top edge 313, and is disposed forcoupling thereto. Similarly, in one embodiment, the external bottom edge312 is similarly sized as the external top edge 314, and is disposed forcoupling thereto.

In one embodiment, the internal bottom edge 311 and the internal topedge 313 are each substantially circular, and are disposed for rotationabout a common axis, with the effect that rotation of the bottom element310 with respect to the top element 320 allows the internal bottom edge311 and the internal top edge 313 to move radially, with respect to eachother, about that common axis.

Similarly, in such embodiments, the external bottom edge 312 and theexternal top edge 314 are each substantially circular, and are disposedfor rotation about that same common axis, with the effect that rotationof the bottom element 310 with respect to the top element 320 allows theexternal bottom edge 312 and the external top edge 314 to move radially,with respect to each other, about that common axis.

After reading this application, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the bottom element 310 and the top element 320 may move radiallywith respect to each other by any one of a number of alternatives, eachof which would be workable, is within the scope and spirit of theinvention, and would not require further invention or undo experiment.For example, the bottom element 310 may move while the top element 320is relatively stationary, the bottom element 310 may be relativelystationary while the top element 320 may move, or both the bottomelement 310 and the top element 320 may move.

In one embodiment, the internal edge 311 includes an internal hole 315,through which the proximal catheter end 106 can be placed. In thoseembodiments in which the proximal catheter end 106 is relatively widerthan the main portion of the catheter 104, the proximal catheter end 106has the effect of restricting the proximal catheter end 106 fromslipping through the internal hole 315, and the effect of anchoring theproximal catheter end 106 at the internal edge 311 of the bottom element310.

While this application describes an assembly in which the proximalcatheter end 106 is flared, and that the flaring of the proximalcatheter end 106 has the effect of restricting the proximal catheter end106 from slipping through the internal hole 315, in the context of theinvention, there is no particular requirement for any such limitation.The catheter 104 can be used to void urine, with the flared proximalcatheter end 106 having other purposes, such as for aim or otherwise.

In one embodiment, the bottom element's internal edge 311 includes aflexible protruding wall, which can be coupled to the top element 320.In alternative embodiments, the top element's internal edge 313 includesthe flexible protruding wall, which can be coupled to the bottom element310. This has the effect that the bottom element 310 and the top element320 form a spool-like shape, including a center around which thecatheter 104 can be wound.

In one embodiment, the top element's external edge 313 includes aprotruding wall, not necessarily coupled or flexible, which can be matedto the bottom element 310. In alternative embodiments, the bottomelement's external edge 312 includes a protruding wall, not necessarilycoupled or flexible, which can be mated to the top element 320. This hasthe effect that the bottom element 310 and the top element form a closedspool-like shape, including an external wall within which the catheter104 can be wound.

Catheter Assembly Joinder.

As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D (FIG. 3C showing an unattached assembly andFIG. 3D showing an attached assembly), in one embodiment, when thebottom element 310 and the top element 320 are coupled together, theyform a donut-shaped space, having a centrally-located internal core wall331, a peripherally-located external restraining wall 332, a bottomrestraining wall 333, and a top restraining wall 334.

In one embodiment, the donut-shaped space is seen to have asubstantially circular internal core wall 331, a substantially circularexternal restraining wall 332, a substantially flat bottom restrainingwall 333, and a substantially flat top restraining wall 334. However, inthe context of the invention, there is no particular requirement for anysuch limitation.

For a first example, the substantially circular internal core wall 331and the substantially circular external restraining wall 332 might eachbe polygonal in shape, such as one or more of them forming a multi-sidedregular polygon.

For a second example, the internal core wall 331 and the externalrestraining wall 332 might each define one or more additional holes,with the effect of not necessarily defining solid walls.

For a third example, one or more of the bottom restraining wall 333 andthe top restraining wall 334 need not be substantially flat; instead oneor more of them could define a bulge, an inverse bulge, or some othersurface.

For a fourth example, one or more of the bottom restraining wall 333 andthe top restraining wall 334 might each define one or more additionalholes, with the effect of not necessarily defining solid walls.

The internal core wall 331 could be defined by the joinder of the bottomelement's internal edge and the top element's internal edge. Theexternal restraining wall 332 could be defined by a joinder of thebottom element's external edge and the top element's external edge. Thebottom restraining wall 333 could be defined by that portion of thebottom element 310 from its internal bottom edge 311 to its externalbottom edge 312. The top restraining wall 334 could be defined by thatportion of the top element 320 from its internal top edge 313 to itsexternal top edge 314.

After reading this application, those skilled in the art would see thatthere are other constructions, dispositions, and other alternativestructures for the bottom element 310 and the top element 320, that suchalternative structures would be workable without further invention orundue experiment, and are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

For a first example, the bottom element 310 could include portions ofthe structure described herein to be part of the top element 320, orvice versa. Such examples could involve including one or more portionsof the internal core wall 331 in the bottom element 310, the top element320, shared between the bottom element 310 and the top element 320, orotherwise assigned in parts among the bottom element 310 and the topelement 320.

For a second example, the structures described herein could be dividedotherwise than a bottom element 310 and a top element 320, or couldinclude more than two such elements, or could include elements which aremated together at different locations or in different ways.

In one embodiment, the catheter 104 and the flexible tubing 201 aredisposed within the donut-shaped space, in such manner as to form asubstantially flat spiral, such as shown in FIG. 3D. However, in thecontext of the invention, there is no particular requirement for anysuch limitation.

For a first example, there is no particular requirement that the spiralis substantially flat.

For a second example, the catheter 104 might be disposed within thedonut-shaped space in such manner as to form a helix or other coil 340,with the effect that the catheter 104 can be wound in parallel or morethan once within the donut-shaped space.

In one embodiment, the catheter 104 is disposed with the distal tubinghole 203 being placed through the external hole 316, with the effectthat the catheter 104 can be drawn out from the catheter assembly 301.This would have the effect that the catheter 104 would be uncoiled as itis drawn out from the catheter assembly 301, reducing the portion of thecatheter 104 remaining within the catheter assembly 301.

In one embodiment, the catheter 104 is disposed with the proximalcatheter end 106 being placed through the internal hole 315, with atleast two effects. First, the proximal catheter end 106 is substantiallyanchored by its placement at the internal hole 315, with the effect thatthe catheter 104 is relatively resistant to being pulled completely outof the catheter assembly 301. Second, the proximal catheter end 106 issubstantially available at a location external to the catheter assembly301, with the effect that the catheter 104 can convey liquids from thedistal catheter end 105 to the proximal catheter end 106, so that urinecan be voided from the urethra into an appropriate receptacle, such as apublic toilet, or alternatively into a urinary receiving bag or othermedical equipment.

In one embodiment, the bottom element 310 and the top element 320 moveradially with respect to each other when the catheter 104 is extendedfrom the catheter assembly 301.

Similarly, the bottom element 310 and the top element 320 can bedisposed to move radially in an opposite direction, with the effect thatthe catheter 104 is retracted into the catheter assembly 301, with oneor more effects. For example, the catheter's distal end 105 can beretracted to a point where it is withdrawn inside the catheter assembly301, and the catheter assembly 301 repackaged, such as for disposal.

In one embodiment, the bottom element 310, the top element 320, or both,can include bumps, handles, ridges, or other elements, suitable for theurinary catheter patient to easily move the bottom element 310 radiallywith respect to the top element 320.

For a first example, the bottom element 310, the top element 320, orboth, can include radially disposed ridges, with the effect that theurinary catheter patient can move the bottom element 310 radially withrespect to the top element 320 using their fingers and winding one ormore of the bottom element 310 and the top element 320 about theircommon axis.

For a second example, the bottom element 310, the top element 320, orboth, can include ridges disposed on at least a portion of the externalrestraining wall 332, with the effect that the urinary catheter patientcan move the bottom element 300 and radially with respect to the topelement 320 using their fingers and winding one or more of the bottomelement 310 and the top element 320 about their common axis.

Catheter Attachment to Assembly.

As shown in FIG. 3E, the catheter 104 is coupled at the first pointdescribed with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B and the second point describedwith respect to FIGS. 3C and 3D.

As described above, the catheter 104 is placed through the external hole316, with the effect that the catheter 104 can be drawn out from thecatheter assembly 301. In FIG. 3E, the catheter 104 is shown alreadydrawn out from the catheter assembly 301, so as to form a relativelystraight-line element, such as might occur during use.

As also described above, the catheter 104 is disposed with the proximalcatheter end 106 being placed through the internal hole 315, with theproximal catheter end 106 being substantially anchored by its placementat the internal hole 315. In FIG. 3E, the catheter 104 is shown with theproximal catheter end 106 already substantially anchored by itsplacement at the internal hole 315, such as might occur during use.

After reading this application, those skilled in the art would recognizethat this particular disposition of the assembly as described is notabsolutely required, and that many variants thereof would be workableand would be within the scope and spirit of the invention, and would notrequire further invention or undue experiment.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments areillustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited tothem. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements arepossible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments.Functionality may be separated or combined in procedures differently invarious embodiments of the disclosure or described with differentterminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined inthe claims that follow.

We claim:
 1. A method for using a compact urinary catheter assembly tovoid a bladder of a human or animal subject, the method comprising:grasping a sheath surrounding a portion of a catheter at a firstposition at or near a distal end of the catheter, wherein a majority ofthe catheter is housed in an enclosure, and wherein the distal end ofthe catheter is located outside the enclosure; advancing the catheterout of the enclosure by pulling on the catheter via the grasped sheath;sliding the sheath proximally along the catheter to a second position;advancing the distal end of the catheter into a urethra of the subject;further advancing the catheter into the urethra by grasping the sheathat the second position and pushing the catheter into the urethra; andvoiding the bladder through the catheter while a length of the catheterremains within the enclosure and while a proximal end of the catheterremains anchored in position outside the enclosure, so that urine passesfrom the bladder of the subject into the distal end of the catheter andout of the proximal end of the catheter into a receptacle.
 2. A methodas in claim 1, wherein the method is performed without touching thecatheter itself and with touching only the sheath and the enclosure. 3.A method as in claim 1, further comprising, after voiding the bladder:winding the catheter at least partially into the enclosure by twisting atop portion of the enclosure relative to a bottom portion of theenclosure; and disposing of the catheter, sheath and enclosure.
 3. Amethod as in claim 1, further comprising opening a covering disposedover the distal end of the catheter and the sheath before grasping thesheath.
 4. A method as in claim 1, further comprising removing theurinary catheter assembly from a sterile package before use.
 5. A methodas in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the catheter is advanced out ofa first hole in an outer wall of the enclosure, and wherein the proximalend of the catheter remains anchored to, and extends out of, a secondhole in an inner wall of the enclosure.
 6. A method as in claim 1,wherein a lubricant is preloaded onto the catheter, under the sheath,before use, and wherein sliding the sheath proximally spreads thelubricant along the catheter.
 7. A method as in claim 1, furthercomprising applying a lubricant to the catheter.